Best things to do in Santa Cruz County, CA

Things to do

Step aboard our stable, USCG inspected, 27ft. pontoon boat, and embark on an unforgettable wildlife adventure!

Wildlife Safari Boat Tour in Scenic Monterey Bay Wetland

CA $65
per adult
Wildlife Safari Boat Tour in Scenic Monterey Bay Wetland
Elkhorn Slough Wildlife Tour

Elkhorn Slough Wildlife Tour

CA $63
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Elkhorn Slough Wildlife Tour
Goddess Fantasy 150 passenger vessel

Monterey Bay Whale Watching

CA $98
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Monterey Bay Whale Watching
Silicon Valley Tech Tour

Silicon Valley Tech Tour

CA $259
per adult
Silicon Valley Tech Tour
Santa Cruz Beach Hill to Mission Hill Loop Via Downtown

Beach Hill to Historic Downtown Santa Cruz Loop

CA $63
per adult
Beach Hill to Historic Downtown Santa Cruz Loop
Humpback Whale Breaching

Ocean Safaris Whale Watching semi-private limited to 6 people max

CA $575
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Ocean Safaris Whale Watching semi-private limited to 6 people max
Santa Cruz, California Scavenger Hunt

Santa Cruz, California Scavenger Hunt

CA $33
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Santa Cruz, California Scavenger Hunt
Silicon Valley Private 2-Hour Driving Tour

Silicon Valley Private 2-Hour Driving Tour

CA $70
per traveller
Silicon Valley Private 2-Hour Driving Tour
Gilroy: Back-to-Eden Ranch Petting Zoo Experience

Gilroy: Back-to-Eden Ranch Petting Zoo Experience

CA $49
per adult
Gilroy: Back-to-Eden Ranch Petting Zoo Experience
See all activities in Santa Cruz County

Recommended activities in Santa Cruz County

Tours & day trips

See all 25 activities
Silicon Valley Private 2-Hour Driving Tour

Silicon Valley Private 2-Hour Driving Tour

Activity duration is 3 hours
7.4 out of 10 with 3 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is CA $69 per traveller*
Silicon Valley Private 2-Hour Driving TourOpens in new tab

Private & custom tours

See all 6 activities
Silicon Valley Private 2-Hour Driving Tour

Silicon Valley Private 2-Hour Driving Tour

Activity duration is 3 hours
7.4 out of 10 with 3 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is CA $69 per traveller*
Silicon Valley Private 2-Hour Driving TourOpens in new tab

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 5 activities
Santa Cruz: Wine Tasting Experience

Santa Cruz: Wine Tasting Experience

Activity duration is 1 hour
Free cancellation available
Price is CA $34 per adult
Santa Cruz: Wine Tasting ExperienceOpens in new tab

Wildlife & nature

See all 4 activities
Wildlife Safari Boat Tour in Scenic Monterey Bay Wetland

Wildlife Safari Boat Tour in Scenic Monterey Bay Wetland

Activity duration is 1 hour and 30 minutes
10.0 out of 10 with 22 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is CA $63 per adult
Wildlife Safari Boat Tour in Scenic Monterey Bay WetlandOpens in new tab

Classes & workshops

See all 3 activities
Beginner Surfing Lesson - Pacifica or Santa Cruz

Beginner Surfing Lesson - Pacifica or Santa Cruz

Activity duration is 2 hours and 30 minutes
10.0 out of 10 with 8 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is CA $191 per adult
Beginner Surfing Lesson - Pacifica or Santa CruzOpens in new tab

Stay near popular Santa Cruz County attractions

A pier with colorful cable cars, a beach, and a sign that reads "WORLD FAMOUS."
Photo by Adri VDM Photography
Open Photo by Adri VDM Photography

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

8.8/10 (6,089 reviews)
Enjoy the thrills at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and find out why people love this theme park in Santa Cruz. Attend a sporting event in this walkable area, or seek out the biking trails.
See properties